It’s that time of year for hitting the trails and putting miles on the snowmobile. I receive many questions regarding riding the trails, so why not make snowmobiling this column’s topic. I’ll share some tips and answers to common questions I’m asked throughout the season.

The biggest advice I give to riders is to “Ride Right” on the trails. The trails can become narrow in some places allowing for only two sleds to fit, if they are properly riding on their portion of the trail. Riders who ride in the middle of the trail can cause non-fatal or fatal accidents. Failing to ride right could be considered careless driving on the snowmobile. Not only is careless driving a safety concern, but it is also illegal. Officers often write tickets for careless operation.

A question I’m often asked is, can tracked vehicles operate on the snowmobile trail? There is not a set answer for that question. It depends on the trail that the person intends to operate on. A designated snowmobile trail will be marked and most likely will have gates in spots since it will pass through private property. On those designated snowmobile trails, it is illegal to operate a tracked vehicle. Also, if a motorized vehicle is originally manufactured as an off-road vehicle, it is considered an ORV (despite any modifications) and it is prohibited from riding designated snowmobile trails.

∫ Motorized recreational vehicles must be registered and permitted as manufactured, even if modified to travel on snow and ice.

∫ Modified ORVs are permitted to operate on dual (snowmobile and ORV) designated motorized trails.

∫ Modified ORVs are not allowed on designated snowmobile-only trails.

Many of our trails are too narrow for a tracked vehicle, such as a side-by-side, to pass by a snowmobile without causing an accident.

I am commonly asked about riding a snowmobile on the side of the roads.

A rider can operate a snowmobile on the right-of-way of a public highway (except a limited-access highway) if it is operated at the extreme right of the open portion of the right-of-way and with the flow of traffic on the highway. Snowmobiles operated on a road right-of-way must travel in single file and not side-by-side, except when overtaking or passing another snowmobile.

Only ride to your ability. Do not try to keep up with the other riders in your group if you do not feel comfortable. Often, groups that ride together will stop and wait at a stop sign allowing for the slower riders to catch up. Doing so is safer and can prevent accidents.

Also, adjust your speed depending on weather conditions. Riding at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable for existing conditions is unsafe and illegal.

Be safe, “Ride Right”, and enjoy riding the trails!

Jessie Curtis is a conservation officer assigned to Alpena County. If you have a question for Conservation Officer Curtis, you can email her at askaconservationofficer@gmail.com or mail them to Ask A Conservation Officer, CO Jessie Curtis, Alpena Field Office, 4343 W. M-32, Alpena, Michigan, 49707.